Politics

The Panama Papers are a set of leaked documents regarding the life and times and all-round activity of law firm Mossack Fonseca. While not operating only out of Panama, its Panama office offers services relating to creating shell companies in offshore “havens,” which serve as hubs for offshore financial activities.

Prime Minister David Cameron sits at an interesting, yet unenviable crossroads. As the leader of the United Kingdom, he is trying to lead his horse to the waters of the European Union across the channel, but that very horse is unable to decide if it wants to drink. He has promised to solve the “immigration problem” from Eastern Europe, yet is averse to actually leaving the EU. Having stated he does not plan to run for re-election, Cameron promises the British people a referendum on whether or not to stay within the EU. So what will it be?

Hungary and specifically the statements of Prime Minister Viktor Orban have contributed to the stalemate when it comes to establishing a plan for the refugee crisis. Having just returned from Budapest, I can attest to the fact that the period of transition, enacted to separate the previously Soviet countries from communist policies, is still not over because soviet era policies and social norms are still present.

Last month, I attended a show at the Comedy Store in Piccadilly. Many famous comedians and actors have performed at this venue, like the duo French & Saunders. The show I attended was mostly improvised; during one bit, the comedians performing asked the audience to suggest recent news topics they could incorporate into their sets.

In September the Labour Party overwhelmingly elected Jeremy Corbyn as its new leader and, by extension, the Leader of the Opposition. Corbyn won nearly 60% of the vote in the first round, taking the election in a landslide despite receiving the lowest number of nominations among Labour MPs.